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The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has asked the states to “mandatorily” follow the right of way (RoW) rules notified recently under the Telecommunications Act , adding that there is no need to go through the adoption process. Earlier, the RoW rules required adoption from each state and the charges levied by different states used to differ. But the new rules, which come into effect from January 1, have to be uniformly executed by all states, giving a boost to telecom operators and infrastructure providers in maintaining and installing telecom towers and laying optical fibre.
In a letter to the chief secretaries of states, DoT secretary Neeraj Mittal sought confirmation by November 30 that the states would be upgrading their RoW portals by January 1 as the rules have to be implemented digitally. Advt “The rules shall come into force on the first day of January 2025. Thus from 1.
1. 2025, the existing RoW rules shall cease to exist,” Mittal said in the letter, dated November 11, a copy of which was seen by ET. The letter further said that the RoW rules have to be mandatorily followed without any need for going through the adoption process.
“Therefore, the state may issue necessary clarifications to all concerned authorities, that these rules would stand implemented with effect from January 1, 2025,” it said. The new rules are expected to streamline the deployment of telecom infrastructure , facilitate faster rollout of 5G networks and be a game changer for the industry, said experts. According to the Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA), key highlights of the rules include introduction of a simplified process for obtaining RoW permissions, with clear timelines for public entities to respond to applications.
The rules set maximum limits on various charges, ensuring predictability and affordability for telecom providers. There are special provisions for the installation of small cells on street furniture, facilitating the densification of networks crucial for 5G and beyond. All applications and communications will be processed through a digital portal, enhancing transparency and efficiency.
Advt Since the communications ministry has announced that these rules will be applicable to all infrastructure projects notified by the central government, they will ensure seamless integration of telecom infrastructure in upcoming smart cities, industrial corridors and other critical development projects. Mittal said in the letter that the centralised portal GatiShakti Sanchar, developed for 11 states and Union Territories (UTs) and integrated with RoW portals of other 25 states and UTs, was being upgraded. “In view of the above, the state RoW portal may also be modified/upgraded so that the same is made operational from January 1, 2025,” he said.
As per the DIPA, the RoW rules represent a significant leap forward in India's journey towards becoming a digital superpower. By Kiran Rathee , ET Bureau Published On Nov 21, 2024 at 07:49 AM IST Telegram Facebook Copy Link Be the first one to comment. Comment Now COMMENTS Comment Now Read Comment (1) All Comments By commenting, you agree to the Prohibited Content Policy Post By commenting, you agree to the Prohibited Content Policy Post Find this Comment Offensive? Choose your reason below and click on the submit button.
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